The vibrant rainbow crosswalk on Ocean Drive, a celebrated symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and inclusion in Miami Beach, has been dismantled following an order from the state of Florida. The removal took place on Monday, just two days after local authorities lost their appeal against the directive from the state Department of Transportation. State crews replaced the colorful pavers with asphalt, while city workers collected the tiles for potential future use, as confirmed by Commissioner Alex Fernández.
"Even if it's no longer on the street, this crosswalk stood for decades of civil rights struggles, fighting discrimination, and advocating for the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community," Fernández noted.
Originally designed by Savino & Miller Design Studio and installed in 2018, the crosswalk featured a multicolored terrazzo design in an Art Deco pattern, a style synonymous with the city. It served as a tourist attraction and a model of road safety, boasting an accident rate below the area's average.
The decision to remove the crosswalk stems from an order by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, directing municipalities to erase street art from their roads or risk losing state funding. This move has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, who view it as an attack on symbols of diversity.
The state imposed a deadline for early September for cities like Miami Beach, Key West, and Fort Lauderdale to eliminate their rainbow crosswalks. "We will not allow our roads to be commandeered for political purposes," DeSantis declared, asserting that the measure is necessary to maintain "consistent road safety standards" across the state.
FAQs on the Removal of Miami's Rainbow Crosswalk
Why was the rainbow crosswalk on Ocean Drive removed?
The crosswalk was removed following an order from Governor Ron DeSantis, which instructed municipalities to eliminate street art from roads to maintain consistent road safety standards.
What was the significance of the rainbow crosswalk?
The rainbow crosswalk was a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and inclusion, representing decades of civil rights struggles, and served as a tourist attraction and a model for road safety.
What has been the reaction to the removal?
The removal has been criticized by human rights organizations as an offensive move against symbols of diversity.